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    You are here: Home / Recipes / Dips and Sauces

    Homemade Cajun Seasoning

    Published: Apr 1, 2021 · Modified: Feb 24, 2022 by Susie Weinrich · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    a jar of seasonings with spices and herbs spilled around
    pin image with text

    This Homemade Cajun Seasoning is the perfect blend of spices and herbs that adds a punch of flavor and a touch of heat to any dish. If you love that Southern Cuisine from Louisiana and the Bayou, then you need this Cajun blend in your spice cabinet!

    a little mason jar full of Cajun Spices

    You probably already have most of the spices you need to make this right in your spice cabinet!

    This blend is great when used in this recipe for Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice (you can also make it in the crock pot).

    Table of Contents hide
    1 What is Cajun?
    2 Ingredients
    3 How to Make Cajun Seasoning
    4 Spicier
    5 Sweeter
    6 Storing Your Seasoning Blend
    7 Related Recipes
    8 Did you make this recipe?!
    9 Homemade Cajun Seasoning Blend

    What is Cajun?

    Cajun Cuisine is defined by Wikipedia as “a style of cooking developed by the Cajun – Acadians who were deported from Acadia to Louisiana during the 18th century and who incorporated West African, French and Spanish cooking techniques into their original cuisine.“

    Some of the flavors/foods you find most in Cajun Cuisine are paprika, garlic, thyme, cayenne, bay leaf, seafood, rice, and sausage.

    Ingredients

    You only need to look to your spice cabinet to make this seasoning blend.

    ingredients for cajun seasoning on spoons in a row

    Grab your smoked paprika, garlic and onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, dried oregano and thyme, and cayenne pepper.

    SMOKED Paprika

    Make sure that you are using SMOKED paprika and not just plain “paprika” which can also be labeled Sweet Paprika or Hungarian Paprika.

    The smoky flavor if Smoked Paprika is essential to get the right flavor in your spice blend.

    Kosher Salt

    Make sure that you are using kosher salt in this recipe, not iodized table salt!

    They are not the same thing and the table salt will make your blend overly salty.

    How to Make Cajun Seasoning

    This is a pretty simple process, simply grab the spices and a small bowl.

    a jar that has defined layers of spices and seasonings

    Give them a good stir to combine, making sure there are no clumps remaining and that all the seasoning on the bottom is mixed in.

    Alternately you could place all the spices in a mason jar, pop the lid on and give it a good shake.

    Spicier

    If you know that you always like food on the spicy side, then absolutely bump up the heat!

    Increase the cayenne pepper to 1 ½ teaspoon AND add in a healthy pinch or two of red pepper flakes.

    Sweeter

    Sometimes it is appropriate to add a little brown sugar to your Cajun Seasoning.

    a jar of seasonings with spices and herbs spilled around

    The sweetness and molasses flavors of the brown sugar are great when used with pork or seafood, like in this Cajun Salmon.

    I would only add the brown sugar on a per recipe basis, not in the entire jar.

    Scoop out 1 tablespoon of Cajun Seasoning and blend it with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar.

    Storing Your Seasoning Blend

    Just like any store-bought seasoning, keep this Cajun Blend in an airtight container in your spice cabinet.

    A small mason jar or Weck jar will work perfectly here.

    a mason jar with a label on the side that says Cajun Blend March 2021

    Since this blend contains dried and ground spices, it will be good for about 2 years. Make sure to write the date on the bottom of the jar or on a spice label.

    Related Recipes

    If you love Cajun flavors then you are in the right spot! Here are some dishes that are infused with all the Cajun Seasonings:

    • Cajun Aioli
    • Skillet Cajun Shrimp
    • Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
    • Instant Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice

    Susie Weinrich washing produce

    Did you make this recipe?!

    If you make this recipe I would love to hear your review. Pop down to the comment section and connect with me.

    Then sign up for our Weekly Newsletter so you never miss a new recipe!

    Rate This Recipe
    a mason jar and spoon full of Cajun Seasoning

    Homemade Cajun Seasoning Blend

    A homemade blend of herbs and spices that adds amazing Cajun flavor to any dish!
    No ratings yet
    Print Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes
    Servings: 0.75 cup
    Calories: 209kcal
    Author: Susie Weinrich

    Equipment

    • Airtight container for storage

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoon smoked paprika make sure to use "smoked"
    • 1 ½ tablespoon garlic powder
    • 1 ½ tablespoon onion powder
    • 1 ½ tablespoon kosher salt
    • 1 tablespoon black pepper
    • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
    • ½ tablespoon red pepper flakes
    • ½ tablespoon dried thyme
    • ½ tablespoon cayenne pepper (up to 1 tablespoon for more heat/spice)
    Prevent your screen from going dark while you are cooking!

    Instructions

    • In a small bowl measure out all the spices and give it a good stir.
    • Place in an airtight container.
      A small mason jar or Weck jar works well.
    • Write the date on the jar and keep for up to 2 years.

    Notes:

    Recipe Tips: 
    • Make sure that you are using kosher salt in this recipe, not iodized table salt!
    • For a touch of sweetness add brown sugar on a per recipe basis, not in the entire jar. Scoop out 1 tablespoon of Cajun Seasoning and blend it with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. This is great with seafood or pork.
    • For more heat bump up the cayenne pepper to 1 tablespoon and add a healthy pinch or two of red pepper flakes.
     
    RECIPE: Try using your new Cajun Seasoning in this recipe for Red Beans and Rice (instant pot or crock pot methods!).
    Did you try this recipe? Connect with me & let me know how it turned out by commenting below!
    Jump to Comments
    Serving: 1recipe | Calories: 209kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 13991mg | Potassium: 1036mg | Fiber: 17g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 10840IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 315mg | Iron: 12mg

    If nutrition facts are provided they are calculated as an estimate to the best of our knowledge.

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    About Susie Weinrich

    Susie Weinrich is the recipe developer, food photographer, and content creator behind Mom's Dinner. She has over 20 years experience in the food industry. Currently, Susie shares all her recipes and food knowledge on Mom's Dinner. You will find her recipes are easy to follow and full of tips and tricks to make sure the recipe you are making turns out perfect!

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